Does the thickness of universal-shade composites affect the ability to reflect the color of background dentin?

Abstract

The recently introduced resin composites with a universal shade are claimed to match any tooth color. In this study, it was examined how composite thickness affects the color adjustment of conventional and universal-shade composites to background dentin. Thirty sound human central incisors of various shade were used, and color differences between their intact labial surfaces, exposed dentin surfaces and composite restorations (thickness 1–3 mm) were evaluated. In addition, the translucency, light transmission characteristics, and spectral reflectance of the composites were measured. The results showed that universal-shade composites outperformed conventional composites of A2 shade in the adjustment of hue and chroma (p<0.05) but not in lightness (p>0.05). The color adjustment potential of all composites significantly decreased as their thickness increased (p<0.05). The effect of thickness on Omnichroma and Omnichroma Flow was less marked, presumably because of their higher translucency (p<0.05) and structural coloration which induces light reflectance in the yellow-to-red range.